WHEN IN CHICAGO: RED SQUARE (RUSSIAN-STYLE BATHHOUSE)

RED SQUARE
A RUSSIAN-STYLE BATHHOUSE
1914 W Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622

Having never been to a bathhouse prior to this, what would have inspired me to seek one out now? Well, there's something about commuting by foot to work in subzero temperatures that makes the word 'sauna' a term placed in the 'need' column - as opposed to the one labeled 'want'. That said, a little birdie who goes by the name Kelly (my dear friend and new roommate) told me about Red Square and  the sauna, steam room & beverage service it offers. I was sold with the mention of the sauna and steam room, but it was the words 'beverage service' that sealed the deal.

I entered the front door, stopped at the front desk and in exchange for $30 was given a robe, two towels and a key for a locker. I descended a set of stairs, turned to the right at the bottom and entered the women's locker room. I found my locker, removed my clothes and headed to the dry sauna. As robes are optional, I opted to leave mine in my locker.

After I was sufficiently drenched in what seemed to be a gallon or so of sweat, I exited the sauna, took in some cool air, tipped back some cold water and entered the steam room where I was instantly wrapped in a heavier, thicker sort of heat. If felt good - really good. However, as they say, one shouldn't have too much of a good thing. Due to the weight of the air and the extremity of the heat, I spent little time in the steam room before I showered off, went to my locker and slipped into my appointed robe. Now 'appropriately dressed', I went over to the co-ed sauna room. There I ordered a drink (or two) and carried on several conversations on varied topics with an assortment of gals and guys who all rejoiced in one shared pleasure - heat. Cheers to warmth shared without inhibition and only mild intoxication.